Interim head coach Easterby has made some bold selection calls for his first game in charge, with Andy Farrell missing the Six Nations to prepare for the Lions tour. Ireland head into their opening game at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin as one of the tournament favourites after winning the last two editions of the Championship and will fancy their chances against an England team that struggled in Dan Sheehan enjoyed a lively return from injury in the United Rugby Championship last week, captaining Leinster to an impressive victory over the Stormers and grabbing two tries in the process.
Sheehan is without a doubt one of the best hookers in world rugby and interestingly takes a spot on the bench with Ronan Kelleher preferred for the starting berth. Starting the impressive hooker would have allowed the coaching staff to control his minutes far more easily but they are seemingly confident that he will be able to complete any task put in front of him on Saturday.
Ireland team v England: Simon Easterby settles fly-half debate while defending Six Nations champions suffer massive injury blow. Baird has regularly been used off the bench for Ireland in recent seasons but now gets the opportunity to shine in a big Six Nations encounter. The Lions lock has undoubtedly slipped down the pecking order with the emergence of Joe McCarthy and the outstanding performances of James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne in the second-row.
However, he gets the opportunity to prove himself once again on Saturday when he comes off the bench, particularly with England opting for a split in favour of the forwards for the clash. Sticking with the bench and Conan also makes a welcomed return to the Ireland set-up in an incredibly competitive position. Conan missed the July Tests against the Springboks due to personal reasons and then the Autumn Nations Series through injury. The year-old has reportedly turned down offers from abroad to remain in Ireland and with Leinster to fight for his Test spot and a possible World Cup appearance in and while he would have fancied a shot in the starting XV this weekend with McCarthy sidelined through injury, he will be pleased with an opportunity from the bench.
Henshaw will now look to impress from the bench while Aki and Ringrose take centre stage from the opening minute and frankly, it is a huge shot of confidence for whichever pair got the nod because of the competition for places.
